Getting older is not fun but it doesn’t have to be a bad either. As you get older, your body will change and you need to accept those changes to live a satisfying life at any age. Understanding your age and its specificities, as well as adequately taking care of your body, will keep you healthy and happy for decades to come. Reaching that 50s threshold means that some things will have to change. Read the next few fitness tips for men over 50 and put your best foot forward in meeting the years to come.

1. Think before you eat

Dietary needs change with age. As you get older, your energy levels will decrease and your metabolism will slow down. That means that you might start noticing your appetite decrease, but not necessarily. You might continue consuming the same amount of food out of habit; but be careful with that as it can be a problem if you want to keep your weight in check. So, think before you eat because times are changing. You will need to regulate the amount of food you consume and the type of nutrients you take in. Some vitamins and minerals are absorbed differently at different ages and you should consider that as well when it comes to planning your meals. Also, make sure you always eat as much fruit and vegetables and avoid processed foods.

2. Exercise

If you haven’t been exercising before, now is the time to start. As you get older, your muscles and tendons will become tighter and your ability to balance will continuously deteriorate. A lack of physical activity can lead to serious health issues, like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and a higher risk of injury. When you lose your ability to keep balance and your bones become less dense, every fall is dangerous. You need to start stretching to keep your joints and hips flexible and functional and your ability to maintain balance. Starting aerobics or a strength training will help you improve your fitness levels and strengthen your muscles. Your cardiovascular system will function better and you won’t have to worry about heart disease or metabolic problems.

3. Get regular checkups

Having regular checkups is a crucial element of staying healthy. There are some general rules but you should consult your doctor for more specific instructions about the frequency and type of checkups you should have. In general, cholesterol should be checked every five years. If you are overweight, physically inactive, or have a family member with diabetes, you should regularly have diabetes screening as well. Checking your blood pressure is also recommended. Your eyes will also start showing an age-related decline and you should start having regular eye checkups. Australians are known for their responsible approach to health and getting an eye test in Sydney is one of the most common checkups you will hear about from any of my compatriots. So take a cue from them and get your eyes tested.

4. Drink less alcohol

The effects of alcohol on your body are quite harmful and they only get worse as you age. Drinking alcohol negatively affects your heart and arteries, which can lead to a heart attack, chest pain and blocked arteries. It can cause joint pain and a higher risk of getting kidney stones. Your bones may even become weaker and start losing mass faster than normal, which can lead to osteoporosis. As you can see, nothing good comes from drinking alcohol, but if you really enjoy it, try limiting your habit to no more than one drink per day.

5. Get a good night’s sleep

Not getting enough sleep can lead to all sorts of problems: higher levels of stress, lack of energy, premature aging, the list goes on. Sleep is the time when your body can regenerate itself and that is especially important when you reach a certain age. So, do everything you can to get enough sleep. Go to bed at the same time every night. Don’t drink alcohol or caffeinated drinks before going to bed. One other thing that can affect the quality of your sleep is your screen time. Staring at screens can trick your brain into thinking it is daytime and not the time for sleeping, so you should set at least thirty minutes of no-screen time before going to bed. Use these tips and you will be sleeping like a baby and you will notice the difference in the way you feel as well.

Guest Author’s Bio

Peter Minkoff is a lifestyle writer for HighStyleLife magazine living in Brisbane, Australia. He is dedicated to healthy living, exercising and spending time outdoors as much as possible. A firm believer in healthy diet, natural smoothies and energy healthy drinks for overall health benefits, Peter is powered by true motivation in all aspects of yoga and fitness-ing. He hopes to run his own yoga and fitness center someday. You can follow Peter on Twitter.